Senior Protection Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• The organization is dedicated to saving lives and protecting the rights of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members. The mission of UNHCR is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily. They work to safeguard the rights of refugees and ensure they have access to essential services, including education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. UNHCR also advocates for durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement in a third country.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Assistant plays a crucial role in monitoring protection standards and operational procedures in line with international standards. This position requires the incumbent to provide functional protection support to information management and program staff, ensuring timely and effective protection support to persons of concern (PoC). The Senior Protection Assistant is expected to identify opportunities to mainstream protection methodologies and safeguards in operational responses. The role involves contributing to the design of a comprehensive protection strategy and liaising with local authorities and partners on protection issues. The incumbent must ensure that PoC are actively involved in decision-making processes that affect their rights and solutions to their problems. This position is vital for maintaining effective communication with communities of concern and ensuring that protection services are delivered with integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Senior Protection Assistant include consistently applying international and national law, providing counselling on protection issues, and liaising with authorities for documentation issuance. The incumbent will support protection-related programming, conduct preliminary information gathering and interviews, and contribute to measures aimed at preventing statelessness. Additionally, the Senior Protection Assistant will participate in individual protection case management, monitor and report on protection incidents, and assist in identifying durable solutions for PoC. The role also involves drafting reports, updating databases, and contributing to initiatives that enhance national and local protection capacities. The incumbent will select PoC for interviews, enforce integrity in service delivery, and manage risks while ensuring effective decision-making in the functional area of work.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Essential qualifications include knowledge of international law, protection-related guidelines, and refugee protection principles. The candidate must demonstrate computer literacy and have a strong understanding of protection standards and indicators. The role demands a proactive approach to preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, ensuring a safe and empowering work environment for all.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a High School Diploma as a minimum requirement, with a Bachelor’s degree or higher being advantageous. Relevant fields of education include International Law and Political Science. Certifications in these areas are considered essential for the role, as they provide the necessary theoretical foundation for the practical responsibilities of the position.

Experience:
The Senior Protection Assistant should have at least 2 years of relevant experience in protection work, particularly in conducting interviews and providing counselling to refugees and asylum seekers. Experience in supporting resettlement processes and working with local authorities and partners is highly desirable. The role requires a demonstrated ability to apply legal frameworks and UNHCR policies effectively in various situations.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For national professional jobs, proficiency in the local language is also required. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication with PoC and local authorities, ensuring that protection services are accessible and responsive to the needs of the community.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA5 category and is not home-based. The target start date for the role is April 1, 202

• The position is full-time and does not require a functional clearance. UNHCR emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages qualified female applicants to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo a written test or oral interview. It is important to note that no late applications will be accepted.